To be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated more than one time is a dream that many athletes hope to achieve. For Muhammad Ali, who died on Friday at the age of 74, he will have accomplished the feat for the 40th time when he graces the June 13 issue of the magazine, which has been in existence since 1954.
The portrait of Ali comes courtesy of photographer Neil Leifer, who captured Ali during his training camp at the 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach on Oct. 9, 1970. Ali was preparing to successfully defend his lineal and The Ring heavyweight titles against Jerry Quarry 17 days later in Atlanta. Ali would stop Quarry in three rounds. The fight is a notable one because Ali was returning to the ring for the first time in more than three years after being exiled from the sport for refusing to serve in the Vietnam War. Michael Jordan is the only athlete to grace the cover of the publication more than Ali with 42 appearances.
“Muhammad Ali was a singular force of athletics, humanitarianism and social equality unlike anyone in our history. He was a fighter, and a champion, yet many of his most important victories came outside the ring. His legacy defines the very best of who we are and aspire to be,” said Paul Fichtenbaum, Sports Illustrated Group editor.
The issue will hit stands on June 8.
